Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kehinde Akintola
Published on 2024-02-27 18:51:00
The House of Representatives emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt homegrown technological solutions and incorporate domestic Technology Service Providers Agencies in the fight against insecurity. This call to action came during a session where authorities from the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were tasked with collaborating and utilizing tech products from domestic agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA), and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to combat insecurity throughout the nation.
The decision to promote the use of domestic technology in addressing security challenges was made following a motion put forward by Hon. Mohammed Bio. He expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, which has resulted in the senseless killings of numerous innocent citizens. The House acknowledged that the country is currently grappling with various forms of insecurity including banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping, with recent incidents occurring in states like Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, Zamfara, Kaduna, Taraba, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The tripartite nature of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and communication is seen as essential in addressing these security threats. Fortunately, Nigeria is blessed with organizations and agencies like NIGCOMSAT, NASRDA, and NITDA that are capable of providing technological solutions to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and effective communication for security purposes. Despite the presence of these agencies, the House expressed concern that the collaboration between security agencies and domestic tech service providers is lacking, leading to a failure to effectively combat insecurity in the country.
The House highlighted the need for immediate action to tap into the potential of homegrown tech products and integrate domestic tech service providers into security operations to prevent a continuation of crimes and instill fear in the populace. By leveraging the capabilities of organizations like NIGCOMSAT, NASRDA, and NITDA, security agencies can enhance their ability to track and apprehend criminals, thus improving the overall security landscape in Nigeria.
In response to these concerns, the House mandated the joint Committees on Army, Police Affairs, and Communications to ensure that security agencies comply with the directive to adopt domestic technological solutions in the fight against insecurity. It is hoped that this resolution will lead to a more coordinated and effective approach to addressing security challenges in Nigeria, ultimately making the country a safer place for all its citizens.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
